Tidal Basin, Washington DC

Relax by the water and see some of America's proudest monuments at Tidal Basin. This man-made inlet was created in the 19th century as a means to control the high tides of the Potomac River. Today, along the banks you can visit some of Washington D.C.’s famous memorials honoring historic figures, including Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The scenic basin, with approximately 3,750 cherry trees in its vicinity, is also noted as the venue for the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the start of spring each year. If you'd like to do your sightseeing from the water, you can rent a paddle boat. The basin is also a great spot to take an aimless stroll or have a picnic. From the area, you have easy access to the National Mall and its many sites. To visit Tidal Basin and other attractions in Washington DC, use our Washington DC trip maker website .

Tidal Basin was fairly colorless in November. I remember the cool cherry flowers from spring a few years ago. However, the Basin is surrounded by valuable buildings.
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By Ryan H

The cherry trees have grown up, but this has caused some erosion of the dirt down onto the concrete path. It can be muddy. Also, watch out for the branches, and bike riders. It's cool to start from th...
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Great place to enjoy sunsets. Walk along the water is so beautiful. Got some perfect views of Tidal Basin and Bridge. Several benches also available to sit. Parking is free after 8 pm any day. Very close to National Mall. Watch out for bikers and runners.

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By Kokoy Severino

A tranquil and picturesque spot in the capital of the United States of America. I have a lot of beautiful memories coming here with my family when Dad was assigned as a junior officer in the Philippine Embassy to Washington DC from 1967 to 1973. Thank you Mom and Dad for the wonderful life you gave us...

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By BradJill Travels

The Tidal Basin refers is a partially man made reservoir separating The Mall and the Potomac River in Washington D.C. This is a quiet area compared to the busy and crowded Mall and nice place for a walk or bike ride along the water in the nations capital.
I really enjoyed my 90 minute walk around the Tidal Basin this past May, taking in the Jefferson, George Mason, FDR and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials which are situated along or near the shore of the basin.
The walking path is lined with trees pretty much continuously. There were active fish and waterfowl making use of the reservoir as well, creating a rural like retreat that was much appreciated during my monument viewing. In the end, I was much pleased with time spent at the Tidal Basin and would be happy to spend more time here during future visits to D.C.
Note: Those visiting earlier in the year may (mid-March to mid-April) should look out for the famous Cherry Blossom Festival that occurs here.

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By Bradley Rasmussen

Lovely water area with good fishing and impressive views of the surrounding monuments. Paths are well taken care of and the area feels surprisingly safe. Water is dirty and fishing is not allowed at all locations around the basin.

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By Nunya Bizness

Events might be great? .. If you could get to them. It's always far too congested on the roads during special occasions as people are already drawn to the area for the regular reasons like museums, monuments, etc. And you can forget parking. That isn't happening. Go at dawns crack, maybe? But the wall of traffic in the way will exhaust you before you ever get there.

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